WANA (May 21) – Iran’s ambassador to France has announced the start of consultations between Tehran and Muscat to establish a “permanent toll system” in the Strait of Hormuz, a move aimed at regulating maritime traffic and strengthening navigational security in the strategic waterway.

 

Mohammad Amin-Nejad said in an interview with Bloomberg in Paris on Thursday evening that the Islamic Republic of Iran is negotiating with Oman to create a joint mechanism for collecting permanent transit fees from vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, the proposed system would formalize the control and management of maritime traffic in the international waterway.

 

He emphasized the importance of maritime security in the region, stating that Iran and Oman must deploy all available resources and capabilities to provide security services and ensure the most efficient management of navigation and shipping traffic.

 

The Iranian ambassador to France also described the sharp rise in maritime insurance costs as one of the main factors behind the decline in shipping traffic in the region.

 

In recent months, following attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity since February 28, officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran have declared that all vessels passing through this vital international waterway — located adjacent to Iran’s territorial waters and coastline — must coordinate with Iranian authorities. They also stated that ships linked to the United States, Israel, and their allies would not be permitted to transit the strait.

 

In this context, Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, had previously stated that Tehran is working on new guidelines and mechanisms aimed at ensuring the safe passage of vessels while also addressing Iran’s security concerns.